LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Area Agency on Aging 3 will undergo restructuring this summer following the loss of a private provider contract.
In April, the agency was informed that it would no longer provide care management services to a 19-county region throughout northwest and west central Ohio. Officials say the loss of the contract is not related to state or federal budget discussions.
As a result of the restructuring, the agency laid off approximately 30 percent of its workforce and will now focus on providing services in Allen County and its six surrounding counties.
As a result of the restructuring, the agency laid off approximately 30 percent of its workforce and will now focus on providing services in Allen County and its six surrounding counties.
“At this point, we are returning to our original seven county focus, which 50 years ago was how we were structured to provide services for older adults and persons with disabilities. We're going to focus again on our seven county region,” said Jacqi Lucke, CEO of Area Agency on Aging 3.
Looking ahead, the agency plans to add new services to better assist residents in the region.
“So, in 2026 we have a new opportunity coming called the Ohio my care next generation Medicaid program. In that program, we will be care managing folks that are dual eligible, meaning they're on Medicare and Medicaid. So it will expand our role and our expertise in the community helping older adults and persons with disabilities work through all of the Medicare and Medicaid systems to make sure they receive the services they're eligible for,” added Lucke.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid will travel the state to share information about the upcoming program. Additional details will be released when a visit to this area is scheduled.
May 28, 2025, Press Release from Area Agency on Aging 3:
LIMA, Ohio – Area Agency on Aging 3 is facing restructuring in the coming months due to a nonrenewal of a private provider contract. Area Agency on Aging 3 has been under contract to provide 19-counties throughout Western Ohio with case management services since 2018.
The privately held contract company will no longer provide these services and has tendered nonrenewal to several other organizations. Regretfully, due to the contract’s nonrenewal, the agency will be reducing staff numbers on July 1, 2025.
“This is impacting employees that have served Area Agency on Aging 3 loyally over the years. At this time, we have to shift our concentration back to our original 7-county service area, that includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert counties. Our mission remains the same and will always be about the individuals we serve,” Jacqi Lucke, CEO of Area Agency on Aging 3 stated.
A new provider will be selected, and individuals will continue to receive services. More information regarding the new provider has not been made available at this time.
“With all loss, there is opportunity when you look to the future,” Lucke stated regarding the future plans for Area Agency on Aging 3.
For the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, Area Agency on Aging 3 will be gearing up for the transition to the Next Generation MyCare Program in Ohio. This program will work with individuals who are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits and will integrate them into one program operated by a managed care plan.
MyCare Ohio is currently in 29 counties across Ohio providing healthcare coverage and will be expanding the Next Generation MyCare program across the state throughout 2026. Along with the traditional PASSPORT and Assisted Living Waiver Programs, Area Agency on Aging 3 will also be providing Care Management Services under the Next Generation MyCare program.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid will be attending community events around the state, like health expos and resource fairs, to help spread the word and answer questions about the program. In addition to these events, ODM will be meeting with community members, caregivers, and advocates across the state through informational community visits. More information will be made available on the MyCare Ohio webpage at medicaid.ohio.gov regarding when and where community events will be taking place.
Area Agency on Aging 3 was founded in October of 1974 with the mission to provide life-span resources that inspire, educate, and empower older adults, persons with disabilities and family caregivers. On March 1, 2014, Area Agency on Aging 3 expanded to cover Champaign, Clark, Darke, Logan, Miami, Preble and Shelby counties. In September of 2019, Area Agency on Aging 3 once again expanded, adding Butler, Clinton, Greene, Montgomery and Warren counties.
For the last 50 years, AAA3 has been a leader in helping those who desire safe, dignified, independent living and it has been our privilege at AAA3 to assist those older adults, persons with disabilities and their family caregivers for over 50 years.
